On 18 October, Dr Grabois Florencia Sofia, Member of the Paediatric Committee and Chair of the Education Committee of the Sociedad Argentina de Diabetes (SAD in Spanish), presented outcomes of the Kids and Diabetes (KiDS) in School programme in Argentina in the abstract, “SENDAS: Health in Schools for Children and Adolescents (NNyA) with Diabetes and Healthy Eating,” at the ISPAD 2024 Conference in Lisbon, Portugal.

In her talk, Dr Sofia highlighted SAD’s work in Argentina from 2022 to 2024. The programme has reached 582 school staff, 376 families, and approximately 3,450 children and adolescents.

SENDAS is the Argentine adaptation of the KiDS information pack. The Pediatric Committee of the Argentine Diabetes Society adapted the educational material to the national cultural and social norms for use in primary schools with students living with type 1 diabetes. This adaptation process involved careful consideration of the local context and the needs of the students and their families. In partnership with healthcare professionals, diabetes educators and social workers, SAD organised three workshops, each targeting a different audience: school staff, families and students.

Implemented in Argentina in 2020, SENDAS continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of young readers, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness. The programme also develops interactive digital educational material, making it more engaging and accessible.

Figures released by the International Diabetes Federation in 2021 indicate that over 1.8 million people live with diabetes in Argentina, and 700,000 people live with type 1 diabetes. The total number of people living with diabetes is expected to increase to over 2.5 million by 2045.

Learn more about SENDAS here.